Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Aaron Nola

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Aaron Nola made an impact.

Aaron Nola is a professional baseball pitcher currently playing for the Philadelphia Phillies in Major League Baseball (MLB). As a key player for the Phillies, he has made significant contributions to the team. Nola is known for his pitching skills and has established himself as a prominent figure in contemporary baseball.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2011: Drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays

In 2011, Aaron Nola was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays but chose to attend Louisiana State University instead.

2011: Named "Mr. Baseball"

In 2011, at the end of his senior year, the Louisiana Sports Writers Association named Aaron Nola the state's "Mr. Baseball".

2012: Freshman Season

Aaron Nola finished his freshman season in 2012 with a 7–4 record and a 3.61 ERA.

2012: Impressive Second Season with LSU

In 2012, Aaron Nola had an impressive second season with LSU, throwing his first career shutout complete game against Alabama on April 19.

June 10, 2014: Signed with Phillies

On June 10, 2014, Aaron Nola signed with the Philadelphia Phillies for a $3.3 million signing bonus.

August 6, 2014: Double-A Debut

On August 6, 2014, Aaron Nola made his debut for the Double-A Reading Phillies against the Harrisburg Senators.

2014: Phillies Draft Nola

In 2014, the Phillies selected Aaron Nola seventh overall in the MLB Draft, and he signed with the team that June.

June 14, 2015: Promoted to Triple-A

On June 14, 2015, Aaron Nola was promoted to the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs.

July 21, 2015: MLB Debut

On July 21, 2015, Aaron Nola made his major league debut for the Phillies, becoming the first Phillies pitcher to debut the season after he was drafted since Pat Combs in 1989.

2015: Nola's pitching style in first MLB season

In 2015, Aaron Nola's first season in the majors, his four-seam fastball ranged between 91.6 and 93.8 mph, while his sinker averaged 90.1 mph.

2015: Advancement through Phillies' Farm System

Throughout the 2015 season, Aaron Nola advanced through the Phillies' farm system.

April 2, 2016: Named to Opening Day Roster

On April 2, 2016, Aaron Nola was named to the Phillies' Opening Day roster for 2016.

2017: Nola starts a rotation start streak

In 2017 Aaron Nola started a consistent rotation start streak that would end in May 2025.

2017: Strong Return to the Mound

In 2017, Aaron Nola made a strong return to the mound, allowing two runs or fewer in 18 of his 27-season starts and beat Curt Shilling's 1996 record for most strikeouts.

2018: Increased fastball speed

By the start of the 2018 season, Aaron Nola increased his fastball speed to 93.3 mph.

2018: Most Innings Pitched

From 2018 to 2024 Aaron Nola pitched 1264+2⁄3 innings, the most in the majors.

2018: Opening Day Starting Pitcher

In 2018, Aaron Nola was chosen as the Phillies' Opening Day starting pitcher.

February 13, 2019: Contract Extension

On February 13, 2019, Aaron Nola signed a four-year, $45 million contract extension with the Phillies, including a $2 million signing bonus.

January 2020: Nola brothers hosted "Strike Out ALS" charity event

In January 2020, Aaron Nola and his brother Austin hosted a "Strike Out ALS" charity event to support their uncle suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

2020: Charity Work and Roberto Clemente Award Nomination

During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Aaron Nola partnered with Yuengling to launch "Cheers PA" and served as an ambassador for Garth Brooks' "Home Plate Project." He was also nominated for the Roberto Clemente Award for his charity work.

2021: Nola added a cutter to his rotation

During 2021 spring training, Aaron Nola began working a cutter into his rotation, stating he had always wanted to throw one but never took it into a game before.